Cedar shake shingles cost in the United States varies by material grade, thickness, and installation complexity. This guide provides practical price ranges and drivers, with clear low–average–high estimates to help builders and homeowners budget accurately. Cost and price terminology appear throughout to match common search intent.
Assumptions: residential roof area, standard pitch, mid-grade cedar, typical labor rates, and regional normal delivery times.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar shakes) | $2.50/sq ft | $4.00/sq ft | $6.00/sq ft | Includes shakes, underlayment, fasteners |
| Labor & Installation | $4.50/sq ft | $7.00/sq ft | $9.50/sq ft | Includes removal of old roofing; safety measures |
| Total Installed (per sq ft) | $7.00 | $11.00 | $15.50 | Assumes standard roof, mid-grade cedar |
| Typical 100 sq ft Subtotal | $700 | $1,100 | $1,550 | Excludes permit and disposal fees |
Overview Of Costs
Cost and price ranges for cedar shake shingles hinge on the cedar species (Western red vs Eastern white), shake thickness, and installation method. The total project range commonly spans from $7.00 to $15.50 per square foot, depending on region and roof complexity. For a 1,500 sq ft roof, expect roughly $10,500–$23,250 in installed costs under typical conditions, with per-square rates staying similar but total figures scaling with area. Assumptions: standard pitch, mid-grade cedar, no major structural repairs.
Cost Breakdown
Understanding where money goes helps compare bids and identify savings. The table below shows common cost components and typical ranges.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar shakes) | $2.50 | $4.00 | $6.00 | Quality, thickness, and mill delivery affect price | $ per sq ft |
| Labor | $4.50 | $7.00 | $9.50 | Crew size and roof complexity matter | $ per sq ft |
| Permits | $0 | $200 | $1,000 | varies by locality | flat / per project |
| Removal & Disposal | $0.50 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Old roof debris handling | $ per sq ft |
| Underlayment & Flashing | $0.75 | $2.00 | $4.00 | Ice & water shield may increase cost | $ per sq ft |
| Warranty & Misc | $0.50 | $1.25 | $3.00 | Extended warranties add value | $ per sq ft |
What Drives Price
Pricing variables for cedar shakes include shake thickness, species, and grade, plus roof geometry and exposure. A thicker, premium-grade shake increases material costs by roughly 1.5× to 2× compared with economy grades. Roof pitch and complexity factor into labor needs, while the choice of underlayment and flashings can add 10–25% to the project subtotal. Assumptions: mid-range cedar, standard installation, typical residential roof.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor costs reflect crew size and local wage levels. A typical crew may be 2–4 workers over 1–3 days for a medium roof, with hourly rates ranging from $40–$75 per hour per crew. For 1,500 sq ft, labor alone could run roughly $6,000–$11,000 depending on pitch and accessibility. Labor hours: 10–30 hrs for a moderate roof.
Regional Price Differences
Regional variability influences cedar shake pricing due to material availability and local labor markets. In the Northeast, installed cedar shakes often run higher than the Midwest, while the South may balance between material cost and faster project timelines. Expect ±8% to ±20% deltas between Urban, Suburban, and Rural settings, with higher freight costs potentially increasing prices in remote areas. Assumptions: three representative markets.
Ways To Save
Budget strategies can trim overall cost without sacrificing durability. Consider using milled shakes with a consistent exposure, compare bulk pricing from mills, and stack quotes from three contractors. Scheduling in the late winter or early spring may reduce labor demand and unlock off-season pricing. Additionally, opting for standard underlayment rather than premium systems can lower upfront costs. Assumptions: three competitive bids, standard installation window.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical outcomes based on scope and materials. Each includes total project costs and per-square estimates to help with quotes and budgeting.
-
Basic—1,000 sq ft roof; economy cedar; standard pitch; removal of old roof; standard underlayment.
Labor hours: 12–18; Materials: $2.50–$3.50/sq ft; Total: $7,000–$10,000; $/sq ft: $7.00–$10.00. -
Mid-Range—1,200 sq ft roof; mid-grade cedar; mid-range underlayment; higher exposure.
Labor hours: 16–26; Materials: $3.50–$4.50/sq ft; Total: $12,500–$17,500; $/sq ft: $10.40–$14.60. -
Premium—1,500 sq ft roof; premium Cedar shakes; advanced underlayment; enhanced flashing.
Labor hours: 22–34; Materials: $5.00–$6.00/sq ft; Total: $24,000–$34,500; $/sq ft: $16.00–$23.00.
Assumptions: locale-specific permit rules, standard crew, typical disposal costs.
